The weekend before our Friday flight to AKL, we made reservations for dinner at Orbit 360, Sky…read moreTowers revolving restaurant. We didn't even bother with booking tickets to the observation deck since the restaurant was going to take care of that for us while we sit and dine. Our first dinner in AKL and we weren't going to miss this opportunity. We got to the Sky Tower via the hop on off bus that stops right in front of the building. We got there 1 1/2 hour earlier so we could walk around, check out the casino, just look at the equipment of the adventurous activities they provide and browse the gift shop. Our reservation was for 5:30 pm but they allowed us to go up at 5 as the popular time for dinner is 6-7. And there was plenty of seating. We were told not to leave our belongings near the window because that part doesn't revolve and it would take 45-mins to get back to that spot. Where we sat initially faced the harbor. And for what was supposed to be a cloudy day, it was nice that we could actually see across the harbor. We were also able to see the back of our hotel that only had slivers of windows as all rooms have harbor views. As far as I know, dinner at Orbit 360 offers a 3-course pre-fixe menu. Each course has at least 5 items to choose from. And on weekends it is $129 NZD pp. That converts to approximately $77 per person. Additionally tipping is an option in New Zealand. However, we enjoyed our dining experience that we ended up tipping our waiter. Everything that we had was really good. And although the portions look small, we were full that I couldn't finish steak. I don't normally eat steak, but I wanted to try things that NZ was known for. Unfortunately, lamb wasn't on the menu for this specific evening. Venison was on the menu and I was willing to try it, but the waiter recommended the angus steak. Because we were in the City of Sails, we wanted to try the local fish in the area, and I still don't know what that is. However, my sister's snapper was also really good. Before dessert came, they gave us a mini cupcake to celebrate Easter. Although we were full, there's always room for dessert. I can't remember what we ordered other than it was really pretty and very good. And lastly, we got to enjoy the sunset. What a way to end our first day in this lovely city.

Orbit 360 was a nice experience. I booked it waaayyyyy in advance and was surprised how easy it was…read moreto go to. We stayed near the quay because we were cruising out of Auckland and Orbit was a quick walk. The entrance is inside the hotel/casino behind it. Food was pretty good. Drinks were great. Views were magical. Service was okay. It's a pre fix menu and they pretty much only have 2 reservations per table per night so they are just pumping out orders of the same stuff. Felt fancy enough to celebrate an occasion. Elevator was fast. Exit through the gift shop. I would recommend for the experience.

This is another place on my list of recently opened restaurants in Auckland to try. We visited on a…read moreTuesday night and had a great experience. The food leans towards bistro style or shared plates, depending on your mood. We did a combination of both: shared starters, our own mains and shares desserts. Do save room for dessert. The salted caramel tart was perfectly salty & caramel-y & gooey and the chocolate fondant was also divine. Before that we shared the octopus & chorizo (seems to be a trend at the moment) which was a tasty combo. Mains were lamb gnocchi and steak with frites which were both beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. Service was very friendly and there when you need it. This spot is where Mondial used to be in the Grey Lynn shops. The refit gives the place a cleaner, less cluttered look, but retains the cosy neighbourhood feel.

Came here with friends for a casual dinner, easy parking on the street outside. The menu's…read morepredominantly tapas styled share plates with the addition of a few bigger plates. Very noisy once the place fills which is a bit unpleasant. I chose the roasted baby vegetables (carrots, turnips, beets) with hummus & dukkah (exactly that, flavours not really exciting). Baked crispy skin salmon with fennel, zucchini & preserved lemon salad (good, bit on the bitter side overall). Shared the handcut fries (good). Didn't order desert, but would have tried the salted caramel and chocolate option if I had. Overall the dining experience was good, just not so great that I'd recommend you visit.

When I was younger my mother's best friend knew the owner of Savour and Devour, so we used to go…read morethere for a piece of cake or other sweet treat when we'd been good. It was always super exciting when these trips to Savour and Devour were announced, and though I no longer find cafes to be such mystical, wondrous places I can't help but feel excited whenever I pass Savour and Devour, even today. Specialising in European cafe style foods, Savour and Devour offer a delicious breakfast menu of sausages, eggs, bacon, pancakes, mueslis and bagels, a healthy fresh range of salads and sandwiches for lunch as well as great pies, muffins and slices. No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong at Savour and Devour. Quite a narrow building, there is more seating out the back of the cafe, however if I'm completely honest - now that I'm old enough to be a bit more critical of cafes and eateries, I have to admit the vibe and atmosphere of Savour and Devour isn't quite what it used to be. The decor is nothing particularly special, and with many other cafes now in the vicinity, I reckon there are nicer places to stop, eat and enjoy your food. However, that's not to say their food isn't still delicious, and Savour and Devour will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the first cafes I remember visiting!

Here for early brunch, it get quite busy after 1130. I would…read moresay this place has average drink and food? Staffs are friendly enough though. Not sure if I will be back in the near future as there are so many options around!

My husband and I chose Auckland for our milestone anniversary celebration trip coupled with a…read moredinner degustation meal at The Grove. We opted for the 8 course (no drink pairing) and were absolutely wowed. Coming from the US, we didn't know what it meant to start a meal with "snacks" - this included venison roasted on natural charcoal with pine dusting, pacific coast oysters, large clam shells with a mouthwatering soup, and another whose name escapes me shaped like star anise. This was just how the meal began, the it was a journey through the flavors, textures, smell, and tastes of New Zealand, my favorite being the horse mussel. We ended the meal (after 2.5 hours) with dessert snacks of various textures and flavors. I was beyond stuffed and impressed. I was also surprised that we had to pay for our meal where we checked in and weren't given a bill or check. In the US, one rarely leaves the table without paying, but the trust and care shown to customers is unparalleled. As my husband and I were heading out, the owner, Michael who knew we were Americans, wished us a Happy Thanksgiving and shared that his wife had prepared pumpkin pie at his other restaurant in honor of the holiday, if we were interested. So kind. So full - both stomachs and hearts. Please visit if you're in the area.

One of my favorite places in Auckland for a fine dining experience. The dishes were great as was…read morethe service and wine pairing. In particular, the dishes were beautifully presented and not heavy, which was key for a tasting menu. For anyone looking for a high-end meal in Auckland, this would be my first recommendation.

After our hike on Mount Eden, we went to the Garden Shed for lunch as they offered gluten free…read moreoptions. I had the "creamy mushrooms" (garlic butter mushrooms, cream, toasted sourdough) and my sister and husband had burgers. My mushrooms on toast were delicious, but my sister and husband didn't think the burger was anything special, especially not for nearly $30. (The food was very expensive!) I did love the decor and ambiance though. The restaurant had a covered seating area that was bright and full of plants, and made you feel as if you were in a plant nursery, or, a garden shed. [Yelp collections: NZ/Fiji 2023; New Zealand 2023]

@thegardenshednz is the most perfect place to celebrate all your important moments and events we…read morecelebrated a family engagement here this past month and this place is just WOW the atmosphere makes you literally feel like you're in a garden the staff is the sweetest, and go above and beyond food was absolutely stunning it is a closed space, so rain or shine , the location is perfect definitely a place to check out in the future for your events or just for some drinks and dinner with your friends #gardenshed #engagementparties #cocktails #mocktails #drinksdrinksdrinks #nztravel #nzfood #aucklandeats #aucklandcity #newzealandfinds #newzealandguide #aucklandfoodie #foodandtravel #travelingtheworld #travelinggram #foodstagram

The old Tin Soldier now rehouses United Kitchen. The entrance is hidden down Anglesea Street, and…read moreone would think they are walking into the wrong entrance into the kitchen in this intimate little restaurant. It only seats about 30 and has a few cool booth seats for small groups. My group of 11 had arranged the set menu which regulars have got used to from the first owner where its $54 for 3 courses. By the time you would have read what I had to eat the menu would have changed as they specialise in what is in season. I chose the Pork cheek with seared scallops which had me worried I would be hungry even after 3 courses as it was very tiny. I definitely felt like I was having a degustation fine dining, the presentation was lovely. Then my main of Miso glazed Market fish with parsnip puree, smoked mushroom and bok choy had me excited. It was the most flavoursome dish I have had for ages and so perfectly balanced. A side of Brussel sprouts was great to sop up my puree. For dessert Yuzu curd with white chocolate sorbet and poached quince was a perfect pallet cleanser and a lovely ending. 3 courses with a side was plenty big enough for me - a female. Maybe a little small for my male friend with a healthy appetite. The wine menu was a little limiting; I loved the little wine bar with sink used as a champagne wine bucket. The only downside was the noise from the adjoining bar 151 when the band started up. I'd go again to see what delectable treats were next in store though.

I tend to steer away from using the word "hidden gem" for restaurants because it's used so loosely…read more But I can't help but believe United Kitchen is one to put down on your foodie bucket list if you haven't heard about it already. Finding the door to United Kitchen can be a little adventure on its own. As long as you're alert that it's a bit of an Alice in Wonderland trip, you'll notice the hanging sign on the door from Anglesea Street in Ponsonby. We pushed the door boldly only to stumble back a little as it leads straight into the United Kitchen kitchen. It's a little strange, it'll make you feel a little taken back, but you'll soon be reassured by the nearest chef. As a small restaurant, it's highly advisable to book. It seemed quiet at our dinner friendly time of 6:30pm but within half an hour, the house was filled up. Not to worry about having tables so close that you feel like you have to flash a friendly smile at your neighbours. The tables are angled and spaced out enough so you can have intimate or inappropriate conversations without sideway looks from your friendly neighbours. United Kitchen is famous for the fixed $55 three course menu that lets you pick any of the entrees, mains and desserts for the flat rate. It's a step up from $45 when it first opened but still worth it for the calibre of food. The menu changes regularly to accomodate for the locally sourced and seasonal food ingredients. Wild mushroom gnocchi with hazelnut with swiss chard was my choice of entree. A great call if you love mushrooms like me. Eat it slowly and savour the dish with just enough on it to satisfy the hunger, but make you wish that you could re-order the gnocchi as your full main. While on a different day I would have opted for the beetroot risotto, I couldn't resist the sound of the braised beef cheek with smoked potato puree, pickled red cabbage, brocollini and almond. Ahh, the touch of a beautiful cooked beef cheek that falls apart delicately in the mouth. The sauce was a little enthusiastic and the pickled red cabbage made my tastebuds zoom in the other direction but that was somewhat offset by the potato puree. Otherwise water glasses were promptly refilled. For dessert I had the yuzu curd with white chocolate sorbet and poached quince. I also had a generous spoonful of the bitter chocolate mousse with citrus salad, yoghurt foam and hazelnut crumble. The chocolate wins without a doubt. It wasn't too rich like most chocolate desserts. I wished there was an extra dollop of the dark chocolate mousse though, it was that good. Thumbs up for United Kitchen. The food is quality and thoughtful. Being a step away from the central Ponsonby buzz, it's perfect if you want a more private dinner before drinks with friends.

Overall very nice although very very salty. Presentation was also very nice. Decor is nice. so…read moreeverything was nice lol. We went in a group of 5 so we ordered 5 meals each and about 4 sides. We ordered the soup of the day, pie of the day, fish of the day, pork belly, steak, fries with garlic aioli, Broccoli gratin, roast pumpkin, and 2 steamed chicken buns. I DIDN'T get to try everything (sadly, some eat way too fast to let me try hahahha) I had the pie of the day which was a chicken ginger (and something else, maybe just vegetable) pie and boy was it delicious!!! until i got half way and then it was just WAAAAAAY too salty and strong to handle. The mash on top was velvety smooth and very creamy which i liked. Chicken and ginger is such a winning combo!! if only it wasn't that salty/strong/rich then i could have eaten the whole thing.... The charred vegetables on the side were very tasty tho! Fries were... over fried but no one can't stop me from finish fries lol and extra crunchy and golden is good enough for me. Also very salty tho. Aioli was delish as always! Broccoli gratin was all white sauce... and really rich. i think it would have been a tad better if it was balanced better (vegetable to white sauce ratio) Roast pumpkin was the highlight tonight. It was soooo tasty, the combination of everything on the plate was magical. Feta cheese, sweet roasted pumpkin, some sort of sauce? and this crunchy herb (sage) but really... so good. Service was... ok... two waiters/waitresses came to serve us and a few orders were forgotten or confused along the way... we had to ask a few times? Overall everything is way too expensive for what we were eating ... especially portion size... i thought it was quite casual eatery rather than fine dining? oh, a hybrid.. i would have given a 4 star if it weren't so salty and a tad cheaper.

If you need some quietness and great atmosphere to talk, this is the place. The interior is soft…read morewith dim lights, clean and modern. You are served with complementary brown bread rolls with olive oil when you dine which is pretty nice for a restaurant. I've been here for a few times so will tell you how they were. Soldier Boy Jammers ($16), seemed to be their signature plate, was slightly average with just minimal filings. I think I still love the Monsoon Poon one the best. We also had fish pie, fried chicken and the duck which was all just okay. Display/presentation of these dishes were wonderful though especially the fish pie - they looked so adorable with little mashed potato swirls we didn't want to ruin it! However we could only taste the potatoes in those... (I have noticed that their menu changed since I last visited) It is so nice to have a place on Ponsonby road where you can have a conversation without shouting at each other. Tin Soldier lets you do that as they have a bar area separated with a restaurant side. Service was good and you can enjoy yourself if you go there for just a few drinks like we did last week. Hand-cut chunky fries ($9) were really good with crispy skin and soft insides - so good they were gone before we knew it!

i went there last evening with my husband and I cannot tell you how disappointed we were! very…read morelimited menu and very expensive for what we ordered. I had the crab sliders - if there was any crab it was totally camouflaged with mayonnaise and tasteless. My husband had the breadcrumbed lamb ribs, which was primarily deep fat!!! Such a beautiful evening for an overpriced apology!

What's not to like?! Food: great options for all tastes and dietary choices; and darn tasty…read more Service: prompt, friendly, knowledgeable. Location: on point - easy street access, nice view of street scene and water. I've been here for diner and breakfast not sure which was better. Most recent was a late breakfast that hit the mark. I had the "hash beni " with mushrooms on the side. It's kinda a spin on eggs Benedict but with hashbrowns as the base. OMG is was good - taste and portion size. To my surprise the only protein were the poached eggs; and yet is did not miss the normal meat. The poached eggs were perfect, soft, slowly running and hot. So come for the food, view, and service; you won't be disappointed